Ploy of candidates
Candidates in Rajabala, West Garo Hills, have adopted an interesting method to escape the surveillance of poll observers and flying squads. According to the rules set down, it is a must for candidates to inform the returning officer of the correct venue and the timing of street corner meetings. Candidates, however, have often duped the flying squads and election authorities by providing false information as to the location and timing of their rallies, while holding them at some other venue. West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Pravin Bakshi, confirmed this and added that measures are now being taken to check the trend. Shrewdly, some candidates have taken to informing the administration about their opponents’ public meetings with the aim of landing their competitors in trouble. 11 candidates are in fray from Rajabala constituency.
Calendar distribution
Candidates beware! Those who distribute their calendars and circulate them among the public will come under the scanner. Some candidates who published 2013 calendars with their names have been warned by the West Khasi Hills administration not to circulate them, citing the model code of conduct. The West Khasi Hills poll official asked the candidates to refrain from such a practice. Candidates have also been directed to submit a copy of their published calendars and the address of the printing press.
Poorest candidate
Among the myriad candidates who can boast of assets worth lakhs and crores, the poorest person contesting the upcoming election is Charles GR Syngkli of the NCP from Nongstoin, who declared that he has assets worth only a mere Rs 2,500.
15 lakh voters
The total number of registered voters for the February 23 poll has touched the 15 lakh mark. According to the final voter list released by the Election Department, the total number of eligible voters is 15,03,907.